free shipping
Shipping is always free for any order being shipped within the US.

90 day returns
Your order can be returned for a refund for 90 days from date of arrival. (Items must be returned in their original condition to qualify)

1 year warranty
Our jewelry is under warranty for one year against any defects in material or workmanship. If a stone falls out of your jewelry due to defect, we will replace it at no charge. (This warranty does not cover physical damage that may occur to the jewelry due to rough handling or mishap.)

manufacturer-direct pricing
We make all of our jewelry ourselves, from melting the gold, to setting the gems. You won't find better prices on quality 14K gold jewelry anywhere.

made in the USA
All of our jewelry is hand crafted to-order, at our Brooklyn, NY location.

Fire Opal Meaning, Powers and History

The Meaning and History of Fire Opal

Mexico is of course, the main source of the Mexican fire opal. Very highly prized Mexican fire opals are excavated in open-cast mines in Queretaro, Mexico. However, the stone can also be found in Guatemala, Honduras, the United States, and Australia, where more precious varieties are known to be found. Germany has been importing most of Mexico’s best fire opals for many decades now.

Many people mistakenly think that a fire opal is simply an opal with a lot of red showing in its beautiful, iridescent display of colors. This is an understandable mistake as the word “fire” usually refers to this beautiful iridescent display of colors opals possess, not the opal’s actual body color. A Mexican fire opal is actually very different than the opal we are used to seeing. While an opal is opaque and white, displaying an iridescent play of colors in every color of the rainbow, the Mexican fire opal is transparent to translucent, with a uniform red, orange, yellow, or brownish body color. Fire opals can come either with or without a play of color or fire. Iron content is what gives Mexican fire opals their orange color. The best, most highly prized specimen are transparent, have a play of color within the stone, and are of a fire-red orange color. These specimens can demand a retail price of up to $300 per carat. In contrast, translucent stones that are brownish or yellowish, sell for $5 a carat. Fire opals are usually faceted, and the wearer of the gem must be aware of the fragility of the stone. Like all opals, Mexican fire opals can crack in the course of time if it is not properly taken care of.

Design Your Own Family Keepsake

Combine Fire Opal with any gemstone to create your own unique family keepsake with the birthstones of your loved ones, or your favorite combination of colors.

Combine Fire Opal with:

Select a gold color:

fire_opal

white_gold

Fire Opal

Mystical Powers of Fire Opal

*The information provided here is for entertainment and reference purposes only. It is based on centuries of folklore, most of which camethe birthstones of your loved ones, or your favorite combination of colors about before the age of modern medicine. It is not meant as actual medical information. For advice about any of the illnesses listed, please visit a qualified physician.

The Mexican fire opal has many positive attributes to bring to the life of its wearer. Physically, it is said to have the power to heal the lower back, kidneys, and can stimulate sexual organs. Mentally, the fire opal is said to be a wonderful stone for those people who are shy and lack self-confidence. Its fire supposedly rouses them and gives them the boost of self-confidence they need. The fire opal is also said to be able to help those who have just suffered from abusive relationships. As the stone is said to be able to heal and relieve memories of rape, incest and sexual abuse, it also encourages positive and healthy sexuality and relationships. Fire opal symbolizes joy of the heart. It has also been said to be used to attract money. Placing a fire opal in your place of business is a good way to attract customers.

Scientific Properties of Fire Opal

Mexican fire opals are named for their uniform flaming orange or cherry red body color. They are always very brightly colored, and can be a little bit cloudy to almost perfectly transparent. Transparent specimens have a good luster. Like the traditional opal, fire opals can occasionally display signs of iridescence in very bright light. Fire opals have a very low density, lower than that of glass, with which it is sometimes confused. Fire opals, like other opals, are relatively hard, rating a 5.5 to 6.5 on the hardness scale.

Caring for your Fire Opal Jewelry

Fire opals are extremely fragile, and suffer from changes in humidity, temperature, and even light. However, with the proper care, your fire opal can last a long time. Opals contain as much as 20% water, which means they can get very dry and wind up cracking. This phenomenon is called “Crazing,” and may be avoided by soaking your opal in water for a few hours, occasionally. Some opals are actually filled with oil, wax, or plastic, to avoid crazing. It is important that opals never be touched with any oils or chemicals. It is also important to protect your stone from any blows or scratches.